A NEW free website service offered by ManchesterOnline for the north west is proving a hit.

The myManchesterOnline host scheme, which has seen more than 120 sites created in the six days since it was officially launched, has been hailed a winner by its users.

A broad spectrum of community groups, fan clubs and individuals have already taken advantage of the free hosting and site construction facility, from women's groups to school pupils doing projects on the internet.

The service allows users to create their own website, post photographs and event details, and communicate with other visitors via the community bulletin board system.

Local groups have been quick to sign up to the service and make use of its free webhosting facilities.

Pamela Brown, who used the service to create a website for the Soroptimists group in Stockport, said: "It's a great idea, and it's been very useful."

ManchesterOnline content editor Sarah Hartley said: "It's developing into a virtual community and has proven to be a real success."